GILGIT, June 23, 2026 — In a display of overwhelming political consensus, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Amjad Hussain Advocate was elected unopposed as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday, following his party's decisive victory in the recent regional elections. The election took place during the first session of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly in Gilgit, where Amjad Hussain secured the office of the leader of the house without facing any opposition candidate.

The PPP-nominated chief minister enjoyed the support of at least 28 members from the PPP, the PML-N, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party in the 33-member house. This broad coalition underscores the collaborative spirit that is expected to define governance in the mountainous region, which holds strategic importance for Pakistan due to its location along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

A Vision for Gilgit-Baltistan

Addressing the assembly after his election, the newly elected chief minister laid out a clear vision for the region's future. "Gilgit-Baltistan comes first. Resolving the region's issues and improving the lives of its people will be our top priority," he declared to the assembled lawmakers.

Amjad Hussain described Gilgit-Baltistan as a resource-rich region and pledged to utilize its natural resources for human development and economic progress. He also vowed to pursue a comprehensive strategy to tackle unemployment and create opportunities for the youth, addressing one of the region's most pressing challenges.

The chief minister expressed gratitude to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for reposing confidence in him and nominating him for the position. He also appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for acknowledging the PPP's electoral mandate in Gilgit-Baltistan and extending congratulations, saying the gesture reflected democratic continuity in the region.

Unopposed Elections Across the Board

The first session of the assembly, chaired by outgoing Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate, witnessed the oath-taking of 30 newly elected members. The session also saw unopposed elections for other key constitutional offices:

• Speaker: PPP's Imran Nadeem, a newly elected member from Shigar district, was declared elected as speaker after no other candidate submitted nomination papers for the post within the stipulated time. Outgoing Speaker Nazir Ahmed administered the oath to him.
• Deputy Speaker: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) Malik Kifayat-ur-Rehman was elected unopposed as deputy speaker and was sworn in by Speaker Imran Nadeem.
• Leader of Opposition: PML-N's Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman was also elected as leader of the opposition.

Members of the assembly and political leaders congratulated both elected office-bearers and expressed confidence that they would uphold democratic traditions and ensure the smooth and impartial functioning of the House.

The Electoral Context

The June 7 elections in Gilgit-Baltistan saw the PPP emerge as the single largest party, winning 13 seats in the assembly. The PML-N secured nine seats in the polls. The results reflected a complex political landscape where no single party had an absolute majority, necessitating coalition-building and consensus politics.

Amjad Hussain Advocate is a seasoned lawyer-politician and serves as the President of the PPP Gilgit-Baltistan. His election as chief minister marks a significant moment for the region, which has long advocated for greater provincial status and constitutional rights within Pakistan.

Challenges Ahead

The new government faces numerous challenges, including:

• Climate Vulnerability: Gilgit-Baltistan is among the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world, with melting glaciers creating over 3,000 glacial lakes, 33 of which are assessed as vulnerable to hazardous outbursts. The region recently recorded a record temperature of 48.5 degrees Celsius (119.3 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking a previous high set in 1971.
• Infrastructure Development: Improving connectivity and infrastructure in the mountainous terrain remains a priority, especially along the CPEC route.
• Economic Development: Creating sustainable economic opportunities and reducing unemployment, particularly among the youth.
• Education and Healthcare: Improving access to quality education and healthcare services in remote areas.

National Reactions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the G-B chief minister on his election, emphasizing the federal government's commitment to supporting the region's development. The smooth transition of power and the unopposed nature of the elections have been widely praised as a positive sign for democratic governance in the region.

As Amjad Hussain begins his tenure as the fifth Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, all eyes will be on his ability to deliver on his promises of development, welfare, and good governance for the people of this strategically important region.